The Artisan Standard: Deep-Etch Sandblasting

Glassware is one of our core product areas, and sandblasting is our preferred engraving method for glass. This traditional process produces a deep, frosted engraving by firing a fine abrasive at high pressure onto the surface of the item. The abrasive passes through a precisely prepared mask, permanently cutting the design into the glass.

Our sandblasting workflow combines modern equipment with traditional techniques:

1. Artwork Preparation
   The customer’s artwork or text is printed onto a transparency sheet, usually in full A4 batches to optimise production efficiency.
   
   
2. Mask Creation
   A specialist multi-layer resist film is paired with the transparency and placed into a UV exposure unit. The UV light transfers the design from the transparency onto the film.
   
   
3. Washout and Drying
   The exposed film is taken to a washout booth, where a pressure washer removes the unexposed areas. This leaves a thin, transparent membrane where the engraving will occur, with solid areas protecting the rest of the item.
   
   The film is then dried for approximately 10 minutes before being cut to size and matched with its corresponding order.
   
   
4. Mask Application
   The prepared mask is carefully applied to the item using rollers, heat guns, and masking tape. This step is critical, ensuring the mask is fully sealed and secure before blasting—preventing lifting or damage during the engraving process.
   
   
5. Sandblasting
   The item is placed into the sandblasting cabinet, where a high-pressure compressor and airline propel fine abrasive media onto the exposed areas. The abrasive cuts cleanly through the mask membrane and into the glass itself, creating a permanent engraved finish.

Sandblasted engraving offers unmatched depth, clarity, and tactile quality, particularly on glass. While modern UV laser engraving continues to improve, sandblasting remains the benchmark for achieving a traditional, premium engraved finish. It also allows us to engrave items of virtually any shape or size, including pieces that cannot be clamped or fitted into other engraving machines.